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Company: We tested water when asked

By John Bear Staff Writer

Posted:
03/21/2013 10:07:53 PM MDT

A representative for Severn Trent said the company tested Alamogordo's water as soon as it was notified of the need.

"Severn Trent Services was notified in 2012 that the required lead and copper samples for the prior six years had not been provided by a former project manager," said Eric Risch, corporate communications director for Severn Trent Services. "Severn Trent Services immediately tested and reported sample data."

The city did not have its water tested for lead and copper contamination in 2007 and 2010, so it cannot vouch for the quality of its water during that time.

A city official said Tuesday that Alamogordo's water is safe to drink, but a public notice released by the city stated Alamogordo's water system recently violated a drinking water standard.

Mayor Susie Galea said earlier this week that the lack of testing pointed to mismanagement by Severn Trent, but praised the work done by former employees of the company who now work for the city.

According to city records, 30 samples should have been taken between January and June, as well as July through September or June through September of 2007 and 2010.

The city took over control of its water operations Feb. 1.

Risch said Severn Trent's contract with the city expired last July.

"We continued to operate the city's water system into 2013 on a continuing basis while negotiating a new contract after being named the preferred provider," Risch said.

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"Instead of moving forward with a new contract that was to begin in July 2013, the city assumed responsibility for operating the system after citing economic reasons relating to a rate increase that was to begin in February 2013."

An official from the state drinking water bureau said the city is once again in compliance with state and federal regulations, and lead and copper levels have been within an acceptable threshold.

Alamogordo is required to test its water for lead and copper every three years, which points to historically low levels of the contaminants. Cities that show high levels of lead or copper would be required to test every six months, the official said.

Contact John Bear at jbear@alamogordonews.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnbearwithme

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